You don’t need to try harder- you need to stay connected.

In this episode, we walk through John 15 step-by-step and uncover what Jesus really meant when He said to “abide”- and why that changes everything.

Key Verse

John 15:5

Key Focus

-Learning how to slow down and study Scripture deeply

-Understanding what it truly means to abide in Christ

-Shifting from striving - to staying connected

What This Episode Covers

-How to study a passage step-by-step using observation and context

-Why repetition in Scripture reveals the main point

-The deeper meaning behind “I am the true vine”

-How Jesus fulfills what Israel could not be

-Why “apart from Me you can do nothing” changes everything

-The difference between striving for fruit vs. abiding for fruit

Write This Down

-“I don’t need to try harder- I need to stay connected.”

-“The Bible becomes clear when I slow down enough to see it.”

-“Jesus is the source- I am not.”

“Fruit is the result of connection, not effort.”

“I am not the vine- I am the branch.”

Cross References

Galatians 5:22–23

Psalm 80:8

Isaiah 5:1–7

You can find my books, blog, worship playlist, as well as all the teaching resources I will be discussing on my website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.tiffanydorrgilland.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. My listeners get a one-time exclusive 15% discount on my books by entering the code BECKY15 at checkout. My book can also be found online at most major retailers such as Books-A-Million, Amazon, Walmart, Kindle Unlimited, and other online retailers.

What if Jesus didn’t just show up in the New Testament—but had been appearing all along?

In this episode, we explore Christophanies and uncover how Christ may be revealed in the Old Testament in ways you’ve never noticed before.

Key Verse

Genesis 16:7–13

Key Focus

Understanding what a Christophany is

Seeing how Jesus appears in the Old Testament

Connecting the Old Testament directly to Christ

What This Episode Covers

The difference between Theophanies and Christophanies

How to recognize when an appearance may be Christ

Why some “appearances of God” seem personal, physical, and relational

Key examples of possible Christophanies in Scripture

How this changes the way we read the entire Bible

Write This Down

“Jesus did not begin in the New Testament.”

“Christ has always been present in God’s plan.”

“The Old Testament doesn’t just point to Jesus—it sometimes reveals Him.”“I don’t want to miss where Jesus is already present in Scripture.”

“The Bible is one unified story centered on Christ.”

Cross References

Genesis 1:26

Genesis 18:1–2

Joshua 5:13–15

Daniel 3:24–25

John 1:1

How to Study This Topic

As you read these passages, ask:

Who is this figure, and how are they described?

Are they speaking with authority that belongs to God?

Are they being treated as God—or as a messenger?

What makes this moment different from a typical angelic appearance?

Does this connect to what we know about Jesus in the New Testament?

What clues in the text suggest this is more than symbolic?

Big Takeaways

Jesus did not begin at His birth—He has always existed

Some Old Testament appearances may be pre-incarnate Christ

The Bible is deeply connected from beginning to end

God reveals Himself progressively throughout Scripture

Recognizing Christ in the Old Testament transforms how we read it

Reflection

How would it change the way you read the Bible… if you expected to see Jesus on every page?

Where might you have overlooked Him before?

You can find my books, blog, worship playlist, as well as all the teaching resources I will be discussing on my website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.tiffanydorrgilland.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. My listeners get a one-time exclusive 15% discount on my books by entering the code BECKY15 at checkout. My book can also be found online at most major retailers such as Books-A-Million, Amazon, Walmart, Kindle Unlimited, and other online retailers.

What if you’ve been reading past moments where God was clearly showing up?

In this episode, we break down what a Theophany is and why recognizing it will completely change how you read the Bible.

Key Verse

Exodus 3:2–6

Key Focus

Understanding what a Theophany is

Recognizing when God visibly reveals Himself in Scripture

Shifting from seeing God as distant → to seeing Him as present

What This Episode Covers

What a Theophany is (in simple, practical terms)

Why moments like the burning bush, pillar of fire, and Mount Sinai matter

How often we read past moments where God is clearly revealing Himself

The difference between knowing about God vs. recognizing His presence

Why understanding this changes how you read the entire Bible

Write This Down

“God doesn’t just speak—He reveals Himself.”

“Theophanies are moments of presence, not just power.”

“God is not distant—He makes Himself known.”

“Just because something is familiar doesn’t mean it’s ordinary.”

“I don’t want to read past where God is showing up.”

Cross References

Exodus 13:21

Exodus 19:16–20

Psalm 77:13–14

How to Study This Passage

As you read Exodus 3 and other passages like it, ask:

What is actually happening here?

How is God revealing Himself in this moment?

Is this symbolic—or is this a real encounter?

What does this show me about how God interacts with His people?

What details would I normally overlook if I rushed through this?

What does this reveal about God’s character?

Am I slowing down enough to recognize what I’m reading?

Big Takeaways

God is not distant—He actively reveals Himself

Theophanies are not random—they are intentional moments of God’s presence

Scripture is full of encounters, not just information

Familiar passages can still hold overlooked depth

Recognizing how God shows up changes how we read everything

Reflection

Where in your life have you assumed God is distant or silent?

What if He’s been revealing Himself in ways you’ve simply overlooked?

What would it look like to slow down and start paying attention?

You can find my books, blog, worship playlist, as well as all the teaching resources I will be discussing on my website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.tiffanydorrgilland.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. My listeners get a one-time exclusive 15% discount on my books by entering the code BECKY15 at checkout. My book can also be found online at most major retailers such as Books-A-Million, Amazon, Walmart, Kindle Unlimited, and other online retailers.

You’ve heard David and Goliath your whole life- but what if you’ve been reading it wrong?

In this episode, we look at 1 Samuel 17 in context and discover how this story actually points to Jesus- and why that changes everything.

Key Verse

-1 Samuel 17:8-11

Key Focus

-Understanding David and Goliath in context

-Introduction to typology (how Scripture points to Jesus)

-Seeing Christ- not ourselves- as the center of the story

What This Episode Covers

-Why David and Goliath is often misunderstood

-The difference between reading the Bible as the hero vs. seeing Christ as the hero

-What typology is and how it works in Scripture

-How David acts as a representative for Israel

-How this story ultimately points to Jesus and the Gospel

Write This Down

-“The Bible is not about me becoming my own hero.”

-“God provides the victory- I don’t earn it.”

- “David didn’t just fight for himself- he fought on behalf of thepeople.”

-“Jesus already fought the battle I could not win.”

-“I was never meant to carry this on my own.”

Cross References

-Luke 24:27

-Colossians 2:15

How to Study This Passage

As you read 1 Samuel 17, ask:

-Who is this story actually about?

-What is the situation and what problem is being presented?

-What is the main point of this passage?

-Is this describing something- or telling me what to do?

-Where else does the Bible show this same pattern?

-What does this reveal about God’s character?

-Does this match the full message of Scripture?

-How should this actually be applied?

Big Takeaways

-David is not primarily an example of what we should become- he is a picture of Christ

-Israel represents our inability to save ourselves

-The victory in this story belongs to the one who steps in- not the ones who stand back

-The Bible consistently points to Jesus as the true Deliverer

-The Gospel is not “try harder”- it’s “it is finished”

Reflection

Where in your life are you trying to be the one who fixes it, fights it, or overcomes it on your own?

What would it look like to trust that Jesus has already stepped in on your behalf?

Final Reminder

You’re not David.

The victory was never yours to earn- It was His to win.

Find the free study guide printable ⁠⁠here⁠⁠

The 10 Questions to Ask Every Time You Read the Bible:

1. Who is speaking?

2. Who are they speaking to?

3. What’s happening?

4. What’s the full passage say?

5. What’s the main point?

6. Where else is this seen in Scripture?

7. Is this descriptive or prescriptive?

8. What does this show about God?

9. Does it align with all of Scripture?

10. How do I apply this correctly?

You can find my books, blog, worship playlist, as well as all the teaching resources I will be discussing on my website at ⁠⁠⁠www.tiffanydorrgilland.com⁠⁠⁠. My listeners get a one-time exclusive 15% discount on my books by entering the code BECKY15 at checkout. My book can also be found online at most major retailers such as Books-A-Million, Amazon, Walmart, Kindle Unlimited, and other online retailers.

Key Verse

Philippians 4:13

Key Focus

As we walk through this passage together, you’ll learn how to:

-Read Scripture in context

-Recognize when a verse is being misapplied

-Let the Bible interpret itself

-And apply truth the right way- after understanding it correctly

What This Episode Covers

If you’ve ever felt pressure to “hold it all together” or prove yourself…this episode will gently shift your perspective and point you back to the truesource of strength.

Grab your Bible- we’re not just reading today, we’re studying.

-Philippians 4:10-13

-What Philippians 4:13 actually means in context

-Why this verse is often misunderstood

-The difference between achievement vs. contentment

-How Paul’s circumstances change the meaning of the verse

-Why strength in Christ looks different than we expect

Write This Down

-“This passage is about contentment—not accomplishment.”

-“Strength in Christ is not about achieving more, but enduring whatcomes.”

-“God’s strength shows up in my dependence, not my performance.”

-“I was never meant to rely on myself.”

Cross References

-2 Corinthians 12:9

-1 Timothy 6:6

-Hebrews 13:5

How to Study This Passage

Use these steps:

-Identify the key word (contentment)

-Look for repeated words

-Read the surrounding verses

-Ask who it was written to and why

-Find where else Scripture talks about the same topic

-Compare meanings

-Define what it meant THEN

-Define what it means NOW

-Apply it to your life LAST

Big Takeaways

- Philippians 4:13 isn’t about achieving anything you want- it’s about learning contentment in every circumstance.

Reflection

Where in your life are you trying to prove something… instead of depending on Christ?

What would it look like to trust His strength instead of your own?

Final Reminder

“I can do all things…” doesn’t mean I can do everything. It means: I can endure anything- because Christ strengthens me.

Find the free study guide printable ⁠⁠here⁠⁠

The 10 Questions to Ask Every Time You Read the Bible:

1. Who is speaking?

2. Who are they speaking to?

3. What’s happening?

4. What’s the full passage say?

5. What’s the main point?

6. Where else is this seen in Scripture?

7. Is this descriptive or prescriptive?

8. What does this show about God?

9. Does it align with all of Scripture?

10. How do I apply this correctly?

You can find my books, blog, worship playlist, as well as all the teaching resources I will be discussing on my website at ⁠⁠⁠www.tiffanydorrgilland.com⁠⁠⁠. My listeners get a one-time exclusive 15% discount on my books by entering the code BECKY15 at checkout.

My book can also be found online at most major retailerssuch as Books-A-Million, Amazon, Walmart, Kindle Unlimited, and other online retailers.

Have you ever heard the phrase, “God won’t give you more than you can handle”?

Yeah… me too.

But what if that’s not actually what the Bible says?

In this episode, we’re slowing down and taking a closer look at 1 Corinthians 10:13—not just reading it but studying it in context the way it was meant to be understood.

We’ll walk through this verse step by step using a simple, repeatable method that will help you stop guessing what Scripture means and start seeing it clearly for yourself.

You’ll learn:

-Why so many Bible verses get taken out of context

-What 1 Corinthians 10:13 actually means

-The difference between temptation and trials

-How to use Scripture to interpret Scripture

-And why God sometimes allows seasons that feel like more than you can handle

This episode is both a teaching and a training so- grab your Bible, a pen, and your favorite notebook and get ready to study.

Because when you understand what God actually said… everything changes.

Key Verse

-1 Corinthians 10:13 (Where the misinterpretation comes from)

Key Focus

-Understanding Scripture in context

-Temptation vs. trials

-Learning how to study the Bible using the 10-question method

Write This Down

“Context determines meaning”

“This passage is about temptation—not trials”

“Temptation comes from my own desires—not from God”

“God provides a way out of temptation, but walks us through trials”

Cross References

-James 1:13–14

-2 Corinthians 1:8–9

-John 16:33

-Psalm 34:19

How to Study This Passage

Use these steps:

-Identify the key word (temptation)

-Look for repeated words

-Read the surrounding verses

-Ask who it was written to and why

-Find where else Scripture talks about the same topic

-Compare meanings

-Define what it meant THEN

-Define what it means NOW

-Apply it to your life LAST

Big Takeaways

-Not every commonly quoted phrase is actually what Scripture teaches

-1 Corinthians 10:13 is about resisting sin- not surviving hardship

-The Bible shows that believers do experience overwhelming trials

-God allows pressure to shift our dependence from ourselves to Him

Final Reminder

It may be more than you can handle… but it has never been more than God can handle.

Find the free study guide printable ⁠here⁠

The 10 Questions to Ask Every Time You Read the Bible:

1. Who is speaking?

2. Who are they speaking to?

3. What’s happening?

4. What’s the full passage say?

5. What’s the main point?

6. Where else is this seen in Scripture?

7. Is this descriptive or prescriptive?

8. What does this show about God?

9. Does it align with all of Scripture?

10. How do I apply this correctly?

You can find my books, blog, worship playlist, as well as all theteaching resources I will be discussing on my website at ⁠⁠www.tiffanydorrgilland.com⁠⁠. My listeners get a one-time exclusive 15% discount on my books by entering the code BECKY15 at checkout.

My book can also be found online at most major retailers such as Books-A-Million, Amazon, Walmart, Kindle Unlimited, and other online retailers.

If you’ve ever opened your Bible and thought, “I don’t even know where to start…”
Or you read something and somehow felt more confused than when you began…
I want to show you something simple today that can change that- immediately.
You don’t need a theology degree.
You don’t need to have it all figured out.
You just need to start asking better questions.
And today- I’m going to show you how.
Episode 1 Notes - Quick Study Tool

Find the free study guide printable here

The 10 Questions to Ask Every Time You Read the Bible:

• 1. Who is speaking?
  2. Who are they speaking to?
  3. What’s happening?
  4. What’s the full passage say?
  5. What’s the main point?
  6. Where else is this seen in Scripture?
  7. Is this descriptive or prescriptive?
  8. What does this show about God?
  9. Does it align with all of Scripture?
  10. How do I apply this correctly?

  You can find my books, blog, worship playlist, as well as all the teaching resources I will be discussing on my website at ⁠www.tiffanydorrgilland.com⁠. My listeners get a one-time exclusive 15% discount on my books by entering the code BECKY15 at checkout.

  
  

  My book can also be found online at most major retailers such as Books-A-Million, Amazon, Walmart, Kindle Unlimited, and other online retailers.

If you’ve ever opened your Bible, read a verse, and thought… “I don’t really understand what this means”—you are not alone.

And if you’ve ever heard someone quote a verse in a way that just didn’t sit right with you… you’re not crazy.

The truth is, a lot of us were taught pieces of Scripture—but not always how to understand the full picture.

And that’s exactly what this podcast is here to change.

This season we will be learning:

• What it means to read the Bible in context
• Why so many verses get taken out of context
• The dangers of the “verse of the day” lifestyle
• The 3 key questions to ask when reading Scripture
• How to understand who the Bible was written to
• Why chapters and verses can be misleading
• How culture impacts what a verse means
• How to break down Scripture step-by-step
• How to study the Bible without feeling overwhelmed
• How to confidently read and understand the Bible on your ownYou can find my book, blog, worship playlist, as well as all the teaching resources I will be discussing on my website at www.tiffanydorrgilland.com. My book can also be found online at most major retailers such as Books-A-Million, Amazon, Walmart, Kindle Unlimited, and other online retailers.